We all want to help a lonely or lost animals but please take care whilst doing this.
Please do not bring a stray animal to our Customer Service Centre, they cannot hold animals.
Council Rangers should only be called if the animal is dangerous.
So what should you do? Follow the seven steps for strays...
Seven Steps for Strays
1. Look for aggression
If you come across a stray animal, please do not attempt to capture it unless you are certain it is safe to approach.
- An aggressive dog might display certain body language including:
- Eyes look larger than normal
- Ears up and forward, alert
- Lips pulled back baring teeth
- Hair standing on the back
- A stiff tail, it may have a slow wag
An aggressive dog may display any, all, or sometimes none of these attributes.
If you suspect might be aggressive for any reason, do not approach it.
2. Be prepared
When attempting to capture a dog you will probably want a leash and some appropriate food.
You are also making a decision. If you do help a stray animal, you are taking responsibility for the wellbeing of the animal and for its actions.
You will need to care for the animal until it can be checked-in to the pound or handed over to a rescue organisation.This may not be straight away if the pound and rescue services are full. Have a plan for where you might keep the dog if you have to look after it.
3. Approach the dog carefully
When approaching an unknown dog you do not want to startle them into aggression or running away.
Try to avoid prolonged eye contact. Dogs understand eye contact as a form of challenge. As you approach you can look to one side of the dog or alternate where you are looking.
You should get the dogs attention so it knows you are coming. Speak softly or make soft clicking noises.
Once you have their attention, approach the dog slowly, preferably from a low, crouched position.
As you get to within a metre or so of the dog, stop and let them approach you. Call to it in a soothing voice. You might offer a hand palm down, pat the ground in front of you or offer some food.
Stay calm and aware. If at any point the dog shows any sign of aggression back away slowly. Do not run.
4. Let them check you out
Once you have approached the dog and it is at ease you will want to check it out, but it will also want to find out about you!
Let the dog examine you. It may sniff, nudge or lick you to try and work you out.
Then once the dog is used to your presence you can examine them.
5. Check the collar and the street
It sounds obvious but the first step is to check for a collar. The dog may have a tag with contact details or there may be a phone number written on or woven into the collar. In which case it is easy to contact the owner.
It is also a good idea to look around the street for locals who may know the animal.
Remember most stray dogs are not far from home.
6. Share on social media
If a lost animal does come into your care, the best thing to do is share a picture on social media along with the date, time and location the animal was found.
You can also make posters with a photo.
7. Scan for a microchip
If you find a dog with no collar, you can take it to a vet for identification or call Customer Service on 6566 3200 to arrange a Council Ranger to scan for a microchip - but you cannot leave the animal with the vet or the rangers. The animal remains your responsibility.
Please do not bring the stray to our Customer Service Centre, they cannot hold animals.
What about stray cats?
Unlike dogs, cats are free to roam. There is no legal requirement for a cat to be secured inside a private property and no offence in a cat straying or roaming onto neighbouring properties.
If a cat is repeatedly engaging in nuisance behaviour, Council recommends you speak to the owner and try to find an acceptable solution. If the problem persists, you can contact Council for advice on 6566 3200. Council has cat traps available for use in some circumstances.